MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Seniors Claire Cheeseman (Brentwood, Tenn.) took first (17:44.19) overall and Halle Hausman (Grey, Tenn.) placed third (17:57.03) in the 5K, helping the Belmont Women's Track and Field team dominate the single event they participated in at the Rhodes Invitational. Classmate Anna Arrick (St. Charles, Ill.) took seventh with a time of 18:32:28, a personal best.
After facing some adversity before the season, Cheesman's win was even sweeter. "It was so great to see Claire battling back from injuries and COVID testing to this win," said Belmont's Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Jeff Langdon.
"Claire did very well. It was great for her to get the win," said assistant coach Kate Bucknam. "After battling some injuries, for this to be her first race back was amazing."
Bucknam was pleased with her third place finisher, Hausman in her first crack at the 5K distance. "It was her first 5K on the track, so her breaking 18 minutes was really good to see."
The track and field teams will be back in competition next week. The Bruins will split up to attend the Raleigh Relays in Raleigh, N.C. from March 25-27 at the Margaret Simmons Invitational in Murray, KY on March 25.
Belmont Finishers at Rhodes Invitational
1. Claire Cheeseman 17:44.19
3. Halle Hausman 17:57.03
7. Anna Arrick 18:32.28
